The Security Institute’s third annual Remembrance Lecture was held on Thursday 10th November kindly hosted at the prestigious offices of Allen & Overy in Bishop’s Square, London. The lecture is a key date in the Institute’s calendar, when members and guests pause to remember and celebrate our heroes, both past and present.
Members and guests arrived early to enjoy a drink and network with others before the lecture started. First on the agenda was a warm welcome from The Security Institute Chairman, Mike Bluestone, shortly followed by the presentation of certificates. These were kindly presented by Field Marshall the Lord Bramall from The Security Group (TSG), who were the main sponsors for the event. Those receiving certificates were Stewart Kidd, who was appointed as an Honorary Vice-President of the Institute in June, and who also received his certificate of admittance to the Register of Chartered Security Professionals. Also being admitted to the Register was Richard Stones of Nottinghamshire Police Authority. The final presentation was to a special Honorary Fellowship awarded to Keith Lawrey JP, who was delighted and honoured with his award. Lord Bramall spoke passionately, before introducing the main speaker for the evening, General Sir Jack Deverell KCB OBE. The General left the army in 2004 having spent much of his career involved in operations and training. In his final appointment as Commander in Chief Allied Forces North, he was responsible for the accession and integration of new NATO nations and the operational direction of the NATO 1 SAF in Afghanistan. The General’s topic for the evening was ‘Utility of Force’, which was well received by everyone present.
The Security Institute were pleased to support two UK based charities at the event, PTSD Resolution and Veteran’s Aid. Only formed in 2008, PTSD Resolution provides immediate free, local, outpatient therapeutic support to ex-service personnel who have post-traumatic symptoms, whilst the much larger and more established Veterans Aid organisation last year provided 19,739 nights of accommodation for veterans who would otherwise have been on the streets.
A charity raffle raised over £1,000 thanks to the generosity of donated prizes from Wilson James, Global MSC Security and Mike Bluestone. In addition, the Security Institute offered a ticket for their summer afternoon 4-course lunch and boat trip on the paddle steamer PS Dixie Queen – an event which is being relaunched on 7th June 2011.
The evening ended with a light supper of canapés and wine, with an opportunity to spend some time reflecting on the evening. The Institute would like to thank everyone who helped make the evening such a success for the charities, and is looking forward to an excellent festive evening on 1st December for its annual Christmas Curry.